Journalists told: Be eagle-eyed guides for the public

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The role of journalists and media practitioners has evolved beyond merely reporting information to becoming seekers of truth, according to veteran journalist Howie Severino.

“Our roles have changed. We are no longer just gatekeepers in a world where gates no longer exist — the world needs truth and truth seekers,” said Severino, chairman of the Board of Editors of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), during the Third Investigative Journalism Conference at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City, Metro Manila on Tuesday.

The three-day conference, marking the 35th founding anniversary of the PCIJ, brought together over 100 journalists, communicators, civil society representatives, and academic experts from across the Philippines.

The event featured panel discussions on the 2025 automated elections by Comelec Chairman George and reporting on the West Philippine Sea conflict by retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.

Severeno underscored the necessity for journalists to serve as discerning guides, navigating through a landscape filled with falsehoods and trivia, akin to “eagle-eyed guides with flashlights in a dark cave.”

He added that this guiding role could evolve into being a “north star,” helping the public navigate society’s way forward.

Severino also pointed out several challenges confronting journalists, including the proliferation of disinformation, further exacerbated by the unregulated use of artificial intelligence (AI).

“AI is just the latest challenge facing journalists duty-bound to ferret out the truth in a world of dubious information,” he said.

He highlighted the rise of deep fake audios and videos that have victimized several journalists and even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Journalists, once heroic truth seekers, are now accused of being purveyors of fake news or agents of spy agencies. They have been demonized and trolled,” he added.

PCIJ Executive Director Carmela Fonbuena echoed Severeno’s concerns, highlighting the profession’s ongoing battle against technological advancements, AI, and violence targeting journalists.

Fonbuena urged journalists to uphold their purpose of serving as a bridge of information from the government to the common citizen and to act as watchdogs to maintain the balance of power in a democratic government.

“As long as there is a fight left in us, as long as our network continues to work together, investigative journalism will continue to be the country’s conscience, exposing corruption and abuse in society, shining a light on underreported issues, and demanding accountability in government and the private sector,” she said.

“Investigative journalism will flourish, democracy will prevail,” Fonbuena added.